COLUMBUS, Ohio — Crews with AEP Ohio are continuing to make progress in restoring power for residents after a winter storm passed through the state Thursday night into early Friday morning.
As of Saturday at 3:45 p.m., just over 700 customers are without power. To see where the outages are, visit AEP's website.
Before the severe weather hit, AEP Ohio said Thursday they had 1,800 lineworkers, contractors and support personnel on standby to work following any outages.
AEP Ohio said crews worked overnight on the outages with fresh workers arriving in the morning to continue assessing damage and restoring power.
On Friday, AEP Ohio said workers had made steady progress, but ongoing winds continue to create new outages. Crews have also been slowed by road conditions and extreme wind chills.
On Saturday, PJM asked AEP customers to conserve their use of electricity, if health permits, between 4 a.m. Christmas Eve and 10 a.m. Christmas Day.
AEP has offered the following tips on how to stay prepared and handle a possible outage:
- Put together an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a radio, first aid kit, medications, portable chargers, extra cash and maps of the surrounding area.
- Keep away from downed wires and report hazards through the AEP Ohio mobile app, call 911 and AEP Ohio at (800) 672-2231.
- Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
- Limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind and ice build-up could hide downed wires. Investigate your surroundings before trying to clean up any debris.
- Notify AEP Ohio if you’re using a generator. This protects you and our lineworkers as they work to restore power.
- Never operate lanterns, heaters or fuel-fired stoves without proper ventilation.
- Unplug major appliances to protect them when power is restored.
- Refuel heaters, lamps and generators outside and away from any flames or sparks. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.
- Never burn charcoal indoors — it releases poisonous carbon monoxide.
- For the health and safety of AEP Ohio crews, please stay at least 6 feet away from our employees, vehicles and equipment.
Additionally, AEP has warming shelters in place if you are in need of warmth. Find the nearest center near you here.
AEP reiterated an emergency request from PJM and is asking customers to reduce their electricity by:
- Setting your thermostat lower than usual, if health allows
- Postponing use of major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers
- Turning off non-essential electric lights, equipment and appliances
